It was a big decision, but Hera handed in her resignation to a now very distanced Adam who accepted without a word. He knew what was going on and that he also was part of the scheme hence he decided to let the waters simmer down only speaking to Hera on a professional basis. Adam could barely get through to Daman either since every call ended up with Daman pleading to take the phone to Hera. If the situation was any different, Hera would find it hilarious at how he was avoiding her like the plague.

Now, Ikbal scrambled like a headless chicken making arrangements for Hera to get to the islands as soon as she called him sounding as if she was in pain. He was so relieved that she had finally decided to show herself to Daman that he'd stop being the walking terror that he currently was. Sneakily enough, he started her inauguration documents as well to become the official duchess of the islands.

Hera had landed and was greeted enthusiastically by a very eager Ikbal who visibly let out a releived breath that he would finally stop being the object of torment for Daman.

"Welcome to the islands, Hera. Duchess of Doulah," Ikbal whispered the last part proudly and smiled at her.

"Hardly, Ikbal. Don't get ahead of yourself there," Hera countered bleakly.

Arriving at the queen's palace again, Hera laughed at the irony. The first time here she was jittery and nervous, scared as a mouse even now she was blazing fury like a lioness with the situation. So many lies from day one.

"Can you give this to Daman, please," Hera asked politely and handed a folder to Ikbal.

Upon arriving at the living quarters, immediately Hera asked for some food since her appetite had amplified tenfold now that she was carrying the duke's baby. Hera hadn't been to a doctor yet because in all honestly she was terrified and it wasn't something that she wanted to do alone. However, there wasn't any doubt on her side that she was pregnant, her usual round belly had significantly popped out and Hera was trying her best to hide it with a flowy dress.

Hera ate greedily, showered and as soon as her head hit the pillow she was out.

* * *

"Sir?" Ikbal said slowly and peeked his head through the door making sure the coast was clear and that the dragon of duke was in his senses.

"What, Ikbal?" Daman growled out and Ikbal was sure that if he could, Daman would blow out some fire from his mouth directly aimed at him.

"I need to show you something," the trusty assistant said excitedly. Excited that he can sleep and eat in peace after this.

Daman set the pen that he was writing with on the desk and gave a flat look to his assistant. "Bring it here. As you an see I'm busy and if this fucking place would just give me my bloody passport," Daman was close to yelling the last part before he resigned in his seat and pinched the bridge of his nose calming his flaring temper.

"Please, Mr. Faiyaz..." Ikbal said again gesturing for the duke to follow him. Daman begrudgingly pushed the chair and stood up irritated that he was disturb but more so irritated that no matter what he tried the institution wouldn't give him back his passport.

Ikbal started speed walking to the chamber Hera was in, which unknown to her was actually the duke's room as well, with Daman following behind. He was sure that Daman was breathing smoke at this point.

"You're welcome," Ikbal said quickly turned around to face Daman. He gave a clipped smile, decent nod and scampered away to go back home to finally be with his girlfriend and get some sleep.

"Ikbal!" Daman yelled at the man's oddness but nevertheless opened the door ready to yell at whatever nonsense was inside but Daman's heart definitely skipped a beat when he saw the unruly mess of curly hair sprawled out on his pillow with his wife deep and fast asleep.

Daman entered the room slowly trying to comprehend if this was real. If this was actually Hera and the duke couldn't believe it when his vision got blurry.

At that moment, Daman was hit with a hard dose of reality as to how much he actually loved Hera and didn't want to be without her.

"Fuck," he cursed wiping his eyes. He wasn't one for crying but here was Hera asleep and that was enough to make him cry. Ikbal had certainly paved way for the thick, fat bonus that was coming his way. Daman left the room and closed the door silently not wanting to wake her up knowing that she must have been exhausted.

* * *

Deep into the night Hera woke up feeling like she got hit my a bus. Her body was aching and she was feeling queasy. Hera slipped on her sandals and gulped down the bottled water that was present on the nightstand.

She left the room and explored the massive building that was decorated exquisitely, but not to her taste. Everything was so posh and refined that it was more of a hotel than a home. She didn't want to live like this.

Contemplating whether or not to confront Daman now, Hera hesitated before softly knocking on the his office door figuring that it was no use putting it off.

Daman called for her to come in and Hera walked in his office to see him looking out the window into the night with his hands in his pockets. His tie was undone and his blazer sprawled across the leather sofa. He looked as if he hadn't slept in weeks.

Hera took a seat and called out for him tired to even stand for longer than necessary. When he turned around she saw that he really looked like shit. He was growing an untamed beard and he desperately needed a haircut. His eyes were droopy and his body not as toned as it was previously. Hera noticed that he'd lost some weight too.

"Evidence for annulment of this marriage on the grounds of fraud? Seriously?" Daman read out loud from the folder that Ikbal left on his desk and ran his hands over his face while he let out a shaky breath.

Daman turned to face the woman he loves with his lips set in a straight line and his eyes focused on her. "Why, Hera? You know I love you," he called out on the verge of crying again. He'd fucked up he knew that, but if this didn't tear him apart more than he already was.

Hera nodded and swallowed down the emotion that crept up wanting her to cave and just jump in his arms. But she couldn't. He betrayed her.

"I know you love me, Daman but I'm learning to love myself more."

Daman was a mixture of frustration, regret and an immense load of sadness was eating him up every second. First his grandmother, now Hera. His eyes and appearance said enough about how he was feeling.

"Why can't you just be happy with me, Hera? I just want us to be happy together. We can fix this. I can fix all of this. I promise you I can," he pleaded looking defeated. "Please. Just please give me another chance, I'll make it better," he whispered and walked over to her taking her hands in his.

"It's not that easy and you know it!" Hera pulled her hands away from his despite her not wanting to do so. It wasn't only what he did that was bothering her. There were so many things that were bothering Hera. She was at a loss as to who she was. She'd always thought you have to know where you come from to know who you are and Hera was having severe issues in that department.

Daman stood still and he looked down at the papers. His face void of any emotion. All too quickly he picked it up and in one determined go tore it all into shreds.

He then picked up the shreds and angrily stomped over to the connected powder room and dumped the pieces of paper down in the toilet before pushing the button to flush it down the toilet. Clearly being dramatic but hell if he was going to let her annul their marriage. He loved her and he will fight for her!

Hera gasped out a loud at what he did and stood up fast causing her head to spin. "What the hell, Daman! If this is about what I want from you, then it's nothing at all. Not even what you took from me. I don't want any of it. I just wanted you to sign the damn documents and..." Hera chided at him and then trailed of when she felt herself heat up with a hot flush.

Immediately Daman was aiding her as he helped her sit down again and push the stray hairs of her forehead. "Woah. Easy my qiTa. Calm down." Hera took some deep breaths trying to get her body to cooperate and the nausea to subside.

After a small period of silence from both parties Damn went and sat next to Hera determined to make things right. "You don't want anything but I want to give you everything, Hera. I know I fucked up big time and you deserve everything and so much more. From happiness to materials things, to a family, to being silly, to protecting you, to laughing with you, to living with you until we can barely walk, to ruling these islands your way and to loving like husband and wife. I want to give it to you all. Please take it and forgive me," he said with extreme tenderness as he placed his hand on her cheek.

"I really don't know how to make this better, Hera. I need you to help me out here. Sorry can't do much, but just know that I am."

Hera was so touched yet conflicted by his words that once again her non-stop, enhanced by hormones, waterworks started. She really wanted to forgive him and thought about it every day, to try and push past it all and start together afresh. Hera loved him so much despite his shortcomings. He was the only person in her entire life who made her feel beautiful and loved.

Daman whispered again hoping for Hera to hear the sincerity in his voice," I was an idiot. An utter fucking fool. I hurt you knowingly but please don't leave me. If I could turn back time, I would have changed my reasons but never change that I got married to you. You have to know I love you with my whole heart. I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Daman then stood up and opened his drawer, presenting Hera another wad of documents. He placed it directly in her hands and told her to read it.

When Hera did, her eyes nearly jump out of my sockets and her heart clenched again. A sob broke out of her as she read that everything he owned, every single thing, that being the whole off his shipping business, all of his charity subsidiaries granted to him as a duke, his houses in Doulah and in London, every single car he owned, as well as all his bank accounts and properties in the world, now all belonged to Hera. He'd transferred everything solely in her name, adding it to an antenuptial contract and changed the marriage system from that being in community of property. How he'd managed to do that without her signatures, she wasn't sure but he gave her all he owned leaving nothing for himself. Hera looked at him nearly having a heart attack.

"Wh-what i-is this?" She asked completely caught off guard.

"I can't lose you to money out of all things, Hera. Yes, I tried to take what was yours and lied to you because I was greedy and an idiot. But now I'm willing to sacrifice all my pride and money for you. Money will never be more valuable than the woman you are, Hera. I need you more than I have ever needed anything in my life," he cried out with a shaky, thick voice that was evidently of the verge of breaking.